JoAnne Jones Forrest

JoAnne Jones Forrest, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, peacefully passed away April 12, 2025 and reuniting with many loved ones who went before her.

Born May 27, 1932, in Stanton, Texas, to James and Opal Jones, JoAnne graduated from Stanton High School and later attended McMurry College and Howard College, where she earned her Associate’s degree. On June 23, 1950, she married Albert Dean Forrest, with whom she shared 61 beautiful years until his passing.

JoAnne began her professional life in television and radio before embarking on a 25-year career at Big Spring State Hospital, retiring in 1991. Even in retirement, her commitment to service only grew stronger.

A tireless volunteer, JoAnne dedicated herself to the American Cancer Society, where her unwavering support and advocacy for Relay For Life earned her the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. In 2003, the Big Spring Chamber of Commerce honored her as “Woman of the Year” for her impactful work within the community. She was also instrumental in the success of the Food 2 Kids project, a cause that was very close to her heart, and to which she devoted countless hours of service.

JoAnne was a lifetime Methodist and a faithful, active member of First Methodist Church. Her contributions to the church were many, including organizing cherished Bluebonnet Road Trips for senior ladies, and preparing many meals in times of need always with a warm smile and a servant’s heart.

Friendly to all, with a sense of humor and a deep love for others, JoAnne never met a stranger. Her presence was a blessing to everyone around her, and her kindness left a lasting impression on all who had the joy of knowing her.

JoAnne is preceded in death by her parents, James and Opal Jones; her husband, Dean Forrest; her brother-in-law, Ellis Britton, and her granddaughter, Tammy Ream.

JoAnne is survived by her two loving daughters, Jann Caffey and her husband, Roddy, and Jill Heith and her husband, Bobby; her beloved sister, Janelle Britton; her cherished grandchildren, Stacey Ream and his wife, Melodi; Gage Heith; Kori Simon and her husband, Mike; and Lindsay Childress and her husband, Daylan. She was also deeply blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Forrest Ream, Reagan Coleman and her husband, Cameron, Ryan and Avery Simon, River, Lily, and Lincoln Heith, and Finley, Major, and Tripp Childress. She leaves behind many wonderful nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom held a special place in her heart. JoAnne also leaves behind a very special friend, Shirleen Brown, who was always there for her in friendship and need.

JoAnne’s legacy is one of faith, love, humor, and service. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff of Scenic Mountain Medical Center Emergency Room, Parkview Skilled Care & Rehabilitation and Interim Healthcare Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to JoAnne and for the kindness they extended to our family during a difficult time.

A celebration of her life will be held Friday, April 18 at 11:30 a.m. at First Methodist Church, 400 Scurry St., Big Spring, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her memory to First Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society, or the Food 2 Kids program.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory.  Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of JoAnne Jones Forrest, please visit our Tribute Store.